Awaken Endless Power

I can hear the inspiring messages of the Musical Masters of yester year playing in my mind. The music of the 60’s, the 70’s and the 80’s had some of the greatest musical geniuses known. This is not to dismiss the legends of today but rather to pay tribute to these phenomenal talents.

I can hear Marvin Gaye singing a song that is still appropriate to what is happening today in our society. The song, “What’s going on?” Marvin tells about the discrepancies in our care of the environment and generally just asks a simple question, “What’s going on?”

And Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes with “Wake Up Everybody”. The lyrics describe the time is now to make a change, a positive change, ‘No more backwards thinking, time for thinking ahead.’

And how about Curtis Mayfield on his last recording talked about a “New World Order.” Curtis had other great songs as well but he knew what we needed and had to get the message out before he transitioned. Thanks Curtis.

My list of favorites is long and includes Teddy Pendergrass, Sounds of Blackness, Gladys Knight and The Pips, The Isley Brothers, Aretha Franklin, The Temptations, The Supremes, Jerry Butler, Prince, Stevie Wonder, The Miracles, Brenda Holloway, The Whispers, Luther Vandross, Sly and The Family Stone, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Donny Hathaway, John Coltrane and Grover Washington Jr. Of course by no means is this list all inclusive of the musical legends and giants. These are just some of the names I remember with love! And wanted to let them know how much I appreciate them.

These talents just knew to do what they loved to do. They sung from their core and shared so freely their gift. Who has influenced your thoughts? Do you recall their names with a smile on your face? Do you share your gift(s), whatever they may be, as these individuals do and did?